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WASHINGTON, DC 6/13/17 — Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) National President Al Kovach, Jr. today commends the U.S. Congress for passing the “VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act,” which will heighten accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); and ease restrictions that have protected VA employees exhibiting or condoning underperformance, negligence and/or criminal behaviors:

“Paralyzed Veterans of America applauds the House and Senate for final passage of this bill,” said National President Al Kovach, Jr. “Our organization has led the charge for the need for meaningful accountability at the VA from the beginning, and we are gratified to see the U.S. Congress placing a priority on the quality of workers caring for our veterans and the VA facilities. We do not believe this could have happened as efficiently as it did without Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Phil Roe’s stewardship, and we thank him for his support of America’s veterans.

Paralyzed Veterans is the only veterans’ organization that conducts regular site visits in VA medical centers. We meet with clinical staff and patients regularly, and we have seen firsthand the negative impact of weak accountability. We look forward to President Trump’s swift signature, and Secretary Shulkin’s leadership in implementing the new accountability office.”

President Trump is expected to sign the legislation into law later this week.